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It would seem that the "democratic values" espoused by Netanyahu and the Likud are, in fact, a very close match to the "democratic values" which are held so dear by American Zionists and the American political establishment. They are both totally fraudulent. We can see America's "democratic values" on display in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Guantanamo Bay, and elsewhere around the globe.

We need to have the US and the international community impose "crippling economic sanctions" against the state of Israel until they cease all colonization activities and prepare to vacate those settlements already in place. That should begin with the immediate discontinuation of any and all "foreign aid" from the US to Israel. The imposition of economic sanctions against Iran to impact their nuclear R&D seems to be an accepted practice; is not the annexation of Palestinian territory an equally serious roadblock to global peace and prosperity? Have the Israelis not done the very same thing to the people of Gaza?

Meanwhile, all Americans and concerned citizens of every nation should boycott the state of Israel and all Israeli corporations, and proceed to divest from Israeli enterprises at every level. Boycotts and divestment brought pressure to bear against South African apartheid - it might do the same for Israel.

It seems fairly evident that the Israelis do not want to engage in any serious talks, or have any actual progress toward Palestinian independence ensue. The continued colonization of Palestine is Netanyahu thumbing his nose at the US, the PA and the international community. There can be little doubt that he is deliberately scuttling the talks.

Rather than to resign, it would be refreshing for Abbas to demand a Hamas representative at the talks to speak for Gaza (since Israel has no intention of proceeding anyway). Surely the people of Gaza should have a voice in any potential negotiated settlement. Possibly political theater, but it would make an important statement and remind people there's more at stake than "just" the West Bank.